In our research this week, we have read about the possibility that West Marine might declare bankruptcy as a result of general sales declines, having too many outlets and the corporation’s level of indebtedness. What we have read is that West Marine has been taken over by private equity funds on more than one occasion…
May 12, 2026 On sale October 6, 2026 The most trusted boating guide for over a century returns in its most comprehensive and up-to-date edition ever. Hearst Books announces the publication of the 70th edition of Chapman Piloting & Seamanship–the definitive guide to boating skills, safety, and navigation–trusted by generations of sailors and powerboaters for…
May 12, 2026 In the recent Car & Driver subscriber newsletter, we read that GM has said their sixth-generation V-8 engine will be built in St. Catharines, Ontario, and two factories in the United States. We were surprised to learn this and wonder what the chances are that these new V-8 engines will be available…
May 12, 2026 NMMA Canada is supporting the upcoming World Boating Day (May 23) through a coordinated effort with Discover Boating Canada and global partners. The campaign highlights a simple but important goal: getting more people on the water. By showcasing real experiences—across all types of boating—this initiative helps make the industry more visible, accessible, and…
May 5, 2026 Starting today and throughout the week of May 16-22, 2026, there is a very good opportunity for companies in the marine industry to gain public awareness and positive momentum as we head into the start of the boating season and it’s one that you can take advantage of with little or no…
May 5, 2026 Vision Marine Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: VMAR) (“Vision Marine” or the “Company”), a company developing high-voltage electric marine propulsion systems and operating a growing recreational boating platform, recently announced that it has received conditional approval to list its common shares on the TSX Venture Exchange (“TSXV”), further expanding its capital markets presence across North America. Vision Marine is…
May 5, 2026 After a period of restructuring, X-Shore Electric Boats is again fully operational. The company’s website now has announced that new ownership is in place and the business is a focused organization with the financial backing needed to move forward properly. The announcement stated that this period has been about stabilizing the business….
May 5, 2026 The National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) is proud to launch an International Ambassador program which brings together outstanding professionals in the marine electronics field from throughout the world. The program is designed to strengthen NMEA’s installer training & interface standards across the globe. NMEA is proud to introduce the following eight ambassadors: Octavio Guazzelli-Brazil…
May 5, 2026 Aquila Catamarans is pleased to announce it has won two awards for its sailing and power models. The 50 Sail has been awarded the International Multihull Show Premiere award at the Multihull of the Year awards, while the 46 Yacht has won the Power Catamaran 12-16m category at this year’s Yacht Style Awards. Held since 2018, The…
April 28, 2026 This week, in Boating Industry Canada News Week Digest, we have the latest news from the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC). That organization announced the recipients of the 2026 Outstanding Technician Awards during the International Marine Service Technician Week, April 20-24. Sponsored by CWR Wholesale Distribution, the awards were given to…
April 28, 2026 Mercury Marine, a division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC) and a global leader in marine propulsion, today held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new Industrial Design Studio, marking a significant investment in the future of product design, innovation, and collaboration. The new approximately 18,000‑square‑foot, two-story, state-of-the-art facility is designed to support modern design and development and…
April 28, 2026 Freedom Boat Club, the world’s largest boat club and a Brunswick Corporation(NYSE: BC) business, today announced it has acquired the Freedom Boat Club of Greater Boston & Cape Cod franchise operations, the largest current franchise in the Freedom network. The acquisition includes 21 locations across Greater Boston, Cape Cod and surrounding areas, further expanding…
April 28, 2026 North Sails and Ontario Sailing enter a partnership focused on supporting the sailing community with educational resources for all levels of sailing, technical how-to on the latest advances in cruising and racing technology, and the latest events happening in Ontario for sailors. While a global company with multiple locations around the world, North Sails has a long history with…
April 28, 2026 On April 17, 2026 Patrick Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ: PATK) (“Patrick” or the “Company”), a leading component solutions provider for the Outdoor Enthusiast and Housing markets, confirmed that it is in discussions with LCI Industries (NYSE: LCII) regarding a potential merger of equals. There can be no assurance that any transaction will result from…
April 28, 2026 From their April 17th newsletter, we learned that NMMA’s latest Monthly Recreational Boating Industry Data Summary, reflecting data through January 2026, indicates continued softness across the recreational boating market as elevated interest rates and cautious consumer sentiment weigh on demand. On a rolling 12-month basis (February 2025–January 2026), new powerboat retail unit sales declined 9%…
April 28, 2026 Read more about the recipients of the ABYC 2026 Outstanding Technician Awards, sponsored by CWR Wholesale Distribution, as well as our Outstanding Technician: New Achievers, which recognizes newcomers to the industry who demonstrate outstanding potential and skills. Visit abycinc.org/2026outstandingtechs to learn about each winner!
April 21, 2026 Last week, in the April 14th edition of Boating Industry Canada News Week Digest, we lead with the headline, “Boating Ontario Association Announces CEO Transition as Rick Layzell Steps Down”. For many years, Rick Layzell has led the association with energy, dedication and determination. Perhaps most importantly, he has gathered and maintained a…
April 21, 2026 Ontario’s boating industry applauds Minister Mike Harris and his team on the completion of revised Water lot Lease Agreements for Ontario marinas. With dozens of Boating Ontario members relying on these agreements to manage fixed operations, moving forward with the extension is critical to ensuring marinas can operate reliably throughout the boating season. “Our government is taking action to…
April 21, 2026 Godfrey Marine, manufacturer of premium Godfrey pontoon boats and Hurricane deck boats, legendary innovator in versatile deck boat designs, just announced the launch of its Pontoon Dock Assist — a proprietary-engineered docking technology purpose engineered to solve one of the biggest challenges for pontoon owners: having the necessary precise control and maneuverability for pontoons at…
April 21, 2026 ICOMIA is delighted to welcome the China Boat Industry & Trade Association (CBITA) as a Sustaining Member. The China Boat Industry & Trade Association (CBITA), operating under the China Association of National Shipbuilding Industry (CANSI), encompasses entities engaged in vessel research and development, manufacturing, maintenance, sales, and related services. CBITA is dedicated to advancing sectoral planning,…